Innovation Powered by Women: At EWA Demo Day in Warsaw

All these activities led the finalists to the November Demo Day, where months of hard work, learning and experimentation converged on stage. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Alicja Krakowska, EWA Programme Manager, who greeted the audience gathered in the packed Rotunda on behalf of EIT Food. In her speech, she highlighted the crucial role women play in shaping the future of the agrifood sector and the growing need for inclusive innovation. 

Two exceptional speakers further set the tone for the day. Olga Adamkiewicz—business leader, entrepreneur and social activist—delivered a powerful keynote on breaking barriers, navigating the often challenging paths women face in business, and cultivating inner strength. Later, Maria Sikorska, President of the “Liderki Innowacji” Association, inspired the audience with her talk, “Role Models: Entrepreneurial Women From the Agro World!”, showcasing female leadership and ambition in agrifood. 

At the heart of Demo Day were the business presentations of ten programme participants. Each founder introduced an innovative and practical solution designed to improve the future of the agrifood sector. From sustainability-driven technologies to health-oriented food products, their early-stage projects illustrated how the transformation of the food system is already emerging—towards one that is more sustainable, healthier and more inclusive. 

Following the pitches, a panel discussion titled “Test, Implement, Scale – How to Introduce Innovation into the Agrifood Sector?” brought together voices from both the entrepreneurial and expert communities. Former EWA finalists Paulina Grabowska (NASDRA Institute) and Renata Krysiak (VegeLIO) shared their experiences of scaling innovation, while ecosystem experts Michał Piosik (investor and managing director at foodtech.ac) and Maciej Sadowski, longtime EWA mentor, offered insights into market readiness, investment pathways and real-world implementation. 

Meanwhile, the Jury—Admir Berbiu, Zygmunt Grajkowski, Maciej Paszewski, Anna Kurnatowska and Patrycja Śrótwa—deliberated intensely before selecting two outstanding participants to receive this year’s awards. 

The Jury awarded second place and EUR 5,000 to Nina Bażela for Antyszpak, an intelligent crop-protection system powered by AI and laser technology. Her solution helps farmers protect their fields more effectively while simultaneously supporting biodiversity—an example of how innovation can serve both productivity and the environment. 

First place (EUR 10,000) went to Katarzyna Jaworska for Bloomen, a project that started by exploring the health benefits of sunflower roots and evolved into the production of fully compostable packaging made from sunflower stems. Her vision demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be transformed into sustainable, scalable materials with the potential to reshape the packaging industry. 

Following the announcement of the winners, the Rotunda came alive with an atmosphere of excitement and connection. The space quickly transformed into a dynamic networking arena—filled with congratulations, shared reflections and discussions about future plans. The energy of the finalists and the power of their ideas lingered long after the event concluded, with many participants remarking that “you could truly feel the mission of the innovators on stage.” 

StartUp Hub Poland (SHP) is a non-profit organization based in Warsaw with 12 years of experience supporting high-tech startups in Central-Eastern Europe. SHP helps early-stage startups (pre-seed to early Series A) develop their technology, build teams, protect IP, and access funding, grants, and relevant programmes in Poland. The organization connects startups with investors, corporations, and a global network, providing equity-free support through various acceleration and incubation formats. SHP's mission is to build a regional innovation hub, create high-tech brands, and promote Poland as an innovative destination for global commerce.

Learn more about StartUp Hub Poland on their webpage.